Advanced

These scopes provide the best performance but may require more skill to master and appreciate. They have exceptionally fine optics and mechanics. Some are easy to use but are but on the large or heavy side. Some are intended for specialized uses. These scopes will appeal to the more technically inclined. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

If you're just starting out in the hobby, our standard Dobsonian configurations (either Classic or IntelliScope) may meet your needs and are available for fastest shipping. But, if you want the telescope that you've always wanted, customized the way you'd like it — then an Orion Build-A-Scope is for you!

It's easy to Build-A-Scope and save money, so get started building that dream telescope now!

The Orion EZ Finder Deluxe II Telescope Reflex Sight gives you 4 different patterns to choose from to make aiming your telescope easy. Features both red and green LEDs for easy aiming at night or during the day, and 5 different brightness levels.

Are you having trouble seeing the crosshairs in your finder at night? By using an adjustable-intensity red LED, the Orion 9x50 Illuminated Finder Scope with Bracket makes it easy. Features multi-coated achromatic optics and adjustable focus

Need more light grasp through you finder scope? The Orion 9x50 Achromatic Finder Scope has a large aperture which lets you see fainter objects than with smaller finders. And with 9x magnification and crosshairs you will find your objects faster.

The SkyLine Deluxe green laser pointer with bracket precisely aims your telescope. Just mount it to your telescope and use it instead of a finder scope. The laser beam shows exactly where your telescope is aimed, without needing another finder.

The Black 8x40 Orion Achromatic Finder Scope is an affordable step up from your standard 6x30. You get more power and aperture, and with the fully coated achromatic optics the image is bright and sharp..

Looking for a comfortable way to aim your telescope? With the Orion 6x30 Right-Angle Correct-Image Finder Scope you get an upright, non-reversed image. And the right-angle design lets you view without having to crouch or crane your neck.

A must-have for Sun observers, the 9x50 Solar Finder Scope includes a black-polymer film solar filter to help you safely and accurately aim a solar filter-equipped telescope at the Sun. Features a right-angle eye lens and correct-image view.

selected

Step 2: Choose Eyepieces

Required:
Please choose at least 1 from the 14 available products.View Current ConfigurationPlease select at least one Eyepieces from the list below.

Orion Sirius Plossl eyepieces are ideal for any type of telescope, refractor, reflector, or catadioptic. They offer a 52° field with clean, high-contrast images. All air-to-glass surfaces are fully coated for improved light transmission.

Stratus eyepieces deliver a wide 68° field of view which allows you to see much more than a typical 52° Plossl. The 8-element optics give you sharp, high contrast images across the field. The generous eye relief makes viewing comfortable for all.

The Orion Expanse eyepieces offer a wide 66° field of view and superior optical performance at a very affordable price. Great eye relief on all models ensures eyeglass wearers can view the entire field. All eyepiece lens elements are fully coated.

The Orion Q70 eyepieces offer an amazingly wide 70° field of view! Five multi-coated lens elements deliver very sharp, high contrast views. They offer long eye relief and are par focal with each other, which makes swapping between focal lengths easy.

The Orion Edge-On Planetary Eyepieces provide medium to high power views of moon and planetary details. The multi-element design provides a flat field of view ensuring an extremely sharp focus. Long eye relief makes viewing comfortable for everyone.

For testing the accuracy of your tracking system, or centering stars for GoTo system alignment, the wide field of the Orion 20mm Illuminated Centering Eyepiece makes it easy. Just use the illuminated crosshair to acquire and center any star.

Zoom eyepieces allow you to view an object at low power and then view it at at a higher power without having to switch between eyepieces. The 7.2-21.5mm Orion Zoom Telescope Eyepiece has fully multi-coated optics for clear, sharp images.

The 12.5mm Orion Illuminated Plossl Telescope Eyepiece is great for accurately aligning your computerized telescope because the LED illuminated double crossline will tell you when the star is dead center. Also use it for guiding during an exposure.

The great thing about zoom eyepieces is that you can locate an object at low power and then just zoom in with no switching of eyepieces. The 7-21mm Orion Explorer II zoom telescope eyepiece has fully coated optics and long eye relief.

The Orion 1.25" Telescope Accessory Kit includes a good starting assortment of eyepieces to get the most out of your telescope. Two Sirius Plossl 1.25" eyepieces, a Shorty Barlow lens, 4 filters for lunar and planetary viewing, and an aluminum case.

The Orion binocular viewer has a pronounced effect on viewing the planets and Moon as well as deep-sky objects. Now includes a 2x Barlow lens to reach focus with most telescopes. Use almost any matching pair of 1.25" eyepieces (sold separately).

selected

Step 3: Choose Filters

Optional:
You may choose any number of the 17 available products.View Current ConfigurationPlease select at least one Filters from the list below.

The Orion 13% Moon filters help reduce glare on the moon's surface so you can see more detail and features. These filters are especially useful to owners of large-aperture telescopes. It threads directly onto the eyepiece barrel.

SkyGlow Broadband filters enhance deep-sky objects in moderately light polluted skies. They block the most common wavelengths of light pollution for increased contrast and better views of all deep-sky objects, without needing to drive to dark skies.

For highly light-polluted sites, the UltraBlock Narrowband Light-Pollution Filters are perfect. They block all forms of light pollution, allowing you to see fainter deep-sky celestial objects over unfiltered and wideband-filtered views.

Orion Variable Polarizing Moon filters act like a dimmer switch for your telescope, allowing the perfect amount of light to come through. Whether the Moon is full or a thin crescent, you can adjust to reduce brightness and glare to bring out details.

Orion Oxygen-III filters show amazing detail when viewing nebulae. Completely blocks all other visible wavelengths to boost contrast on emission and planetary nebulae as well as supernova remnants. A bigger contrast boost than the UltraBlock filters.

Hydrogen-Beta nebula filters are perhaps the only way to see the faint and elusive Horsehead, California, and Cocoon nebulae. These filters pass light that these faint nebulae emit. Best used with medium to large aperture telescopes in dark skies.

A great tool for bringing out details in the planets and Moon is this 1.25" set of four Orion Color Telescope Filters. Each colored filter brings out different details in the planets allowing for a totally different view.

The 1.25" Deluxe Orion Stargazers Filter Set is a comprehensive 6 filter set for the best views of all types of celestial objects. Includes the SkyGlow Light Pollution Filter, Variable Polarizing Filter, and 4 Planetary filters.

The Moon is a wonderful sight through a telescope, and the 1.25" Orion 25% transmission filter allows more lunar detail and surface features to be seen because it reduces the glare from the Moon. Especially useful for viewing crescent phases.

Use this handy 2" filter slider to quickly switch between up to six 2" eyepiece filters to enhance and improve your views without the hassle of repeatedly removing and replacing an eyepiece to switch individual filters.

This set of three imaging filters includes the most vital filters for optimizing monochrome planetary portraits. Set includes an ultraviolet (UV) filter, infrared (IR) filter, and methane (CH4) filter. For astrophotographic use only.

This Premium 20-piece Color Planetary Filter Set includes our most complete assortment of 1.25" color filters to help enhance observations of the Moon and planets. Compatible with Orion 1.25" eyepieces, 1.25" filter wheels, and 1.25" filter sliders.

selected

Step 4: Choose Additional Accessories

Optional:
You may choose any number of the 13 available products.View Current ConfigurationPlease select at least one Additional Accessories from the list below.

The 3x Orion Tri-Mag Barlow Lens delivers a 3x magnification boost to your eyepiece. It is great for lunar and planetary observing and perfect for extracting higher powers from short-focal-length telescopes which can be hard to magnify high enough.

For those times when you want more powerful views through your telescope, this compact 3x 4-element Barlow lens will provide a convenient triple-power boost for high magnification study of the Moon, planets, and more.

This mighty 5x Barlow will easily meet the magnification demands of any telescope system. The Orion High-Power 5x 4-Element Barlow Lens quintuples the power of any 1.25" telescope eyepiece, providing far more magnification than a 2x or 3x Barlow.

Use your laser pointer as a collimator! With Orion's SkyLine Laser Pointer Telescope Collimation System you can use the Orion SkyLine Deluxe Green Laser Pointer (sold separately) as a precision collimating device for reflector telescopes.

For the best images from your reflecting telescope, the optics need to be in precise alignment (also known as collimation). The Orion Collimating Eyepiece is an economical and accurate way to ensure perfect Newtonian mirror alignment every time.

Scope Cloaks protect your telescope from dirt, moisture and sunlight. This Orion ScopeCloak fits 12-16" Dobsonian telescopes and is made from reflective, tear-resistant fabric with waterproof lining and has a locking drawstring.

The Orion Waist Case Accessory Holder is a good way to keep your often-used accessories protected, organized and within easy reach so you don't have to fumble through the accessory tray or walk over to your observing table. Fits waist sizes up to 58"

PLEASE NOTE: If you leave this page before adding your configured Build-A-Scope to your shopping cart, the details of your configuration will not be saved. In addition, if you add a Build-A-Scope to your wish list, the components you have chosen will not be included on your wish list. To save a configuration, add all items to your cart using the button above. Your configured Build-A-Scope will be saved in your shopping cart for 30 days. You will then be able to return to your configuration by visiting your shopping cart and clicking on the Build-A-Scope product title.

Once we receive your order, we will build your telescope! That takes a little more time to ship than a standard order. In-stock orders placed by 12:00 noon Pacific Time will ship 2-3 business days after your order is placed. The expected shipping date for your customized Build-A-Scope will update to reflect the availability of the components you choose and the time needed to build your telescope. Before you know it, you will have your very own customized Classic Dobsonian to show off to your friends!

The Orion Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope takes big-aperture astronomy to a new level of performance and user-friendly fun. With design ingenuity and technical sophistication that make competing models yesterday's news, it will WOW even the most star-savvy enthusiast.

Its prodigious 305mm (12.0"), Pyrex parabolic primary mirror pulls down 42% more light than 10" optics and 126% more than 8" optics. What's more, the it's an IntelliScope. Which means you can just plug the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator into the telescope's base and you're ready to find and view any of 14,000 celestial objects with the push of a button or two. Sound easy? It is.

The Orion Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope is outfitted with an open-ventilation, aluminum mirror cell that features 9-point floating support and mounting holes for an optional cooling fan. Roller bearing construction eliminates image shift due to drawtube "rocking". Upgraded metal focusing knobs with rubber grips give you a great feel, and a thumb screw for locking the focus position and adjusting tension give you greater control.

The made-in-USA base boasts non-stick PTFE material azimuth bearings for smooth, "stiction-free" movement (not the rumblin', bumblin' roller bearings as on some other brands), and a springless, adjustable CorrecTension system for always-perfect tube balance and motion.

Although it's big, the Orion Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope is easily manageable by any fit individual. The optical tube, which uncouples from the base for transport, is 4' 10" long and 50 lbs. The base is 30" tall, 26" wide, weighs 33 lbs., and has a convenient carrying handle.

With the Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Dobsonian from Orion, you decide which finder scope, eyepiece, and other accessories come with the telescope. You can choose between magnified achromatic finder scopes, red-dot reflex sights, or more deluxe right-angle correct-image or illuminated crosshair finder scope models to be included with the SkyQuest XT12i IntelliScope Dobsonian. You also get to select which telescope eyepiece is included from Orion's wide variety of quality oculars. Choose from low focal length, high magnification 1.25" eyepieces, or go after the bigger picture with a wide-angle 2" eyepiece to view a large swath of sky through the telescope.

If you're ready for some outrageous aperture, get the smartest big telescope to come along in years - the Orion Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope!

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.

Warning

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

User level

Level 1 Beginner - Suited for a wide range of uses, these telescopes are simple to operate and set up. Some initial assembly may be required. Very good optical and mechanical quality. Great for families, young people, and folks who don't want to mess with equipment but just want to take a look. Any of these scopes will show you countless lunar craters, Saturn's rings and a myriad of star clusters and nebulas! Referring to the manual is recommended.

Level 2 Intermediate - These scopes offer higher performance and more advanced features than Level 1: Beginner models. They typically take a bit longer to learn and need some set-up or adjustments. But anyone with the slightest technical bent will have no problem getting familiar with these models. Referring to the manual is recommended.

Level 3 Advanced - These scopes provide the best performance but may require more skill to master and appreciate. They have exceptionally fine optics and mechanics. Some are easy to use but are but on the large or heavy side. Some are intended for specialized uses. These scopes will appeal to the more technically inclined. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

Level 4 Expert - Expert telescopes offer uncompromising optical and mechanical quality for the most demanding amateur astronomer. They may be technically involved or designed for specialized use, such as astrophotography or detailed deep sky observation. They carry a premium price, but are designed to provide the ultimate performance in the field. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

Optical design

Reflector telescopes use a pair of large and small mirrors to direct incoming light to the eyepiece.
Refractor telescopes refract, or "bend" incoming light to a focus by means of an objective lens.
Cassegrain telescopes, such as Maksutov-Cassegrains, "fold" incoming light using two mirrors and a front "corrector" lens.

Optical diameter

For telescopes, the optical diameter (also known as aperture) is the size of a telescope's main light-collecting lens or primary mirror, measured in millimeters or inches. Telescopes with larger optical diameters collect more light, which leads to an increase in brightness and image resolution compared to smaller instruments.

For binoculars, the optical diameter (also known as objective lens diameter) is the size of each of the front-facing objective lenses of a binocular measured in millimeters. Binoculars with larger objective lenses collect more light, which increases image resolution and brightness. Binoculars with larger objective lenses are recommended for low light situations, and binoculars with at least 50mm or larger objective lenses are recommended for pleasing astronomical observations at night.

Focal length

The distance from the center of a curved mirror or lens at which parallel light rays converge to a single point. The focal length is an inherent specification of a mirror or lens and is one of the factors in determining resultant magnification for a telescope (along with the focal length of the eyepiece being used).

Focal ratio

The focal ratio of an optical system is the ratio of a telescope's focal length to its aperture. Short focal ratios (f/5, f/4.5) produce wide fields of view and small image scales, while long focal lengths produce narrower fields of views and larger image scales.

Optics type

Newtonian reflectors will have either a spherical shaped mirror, which is less expensive to produce, or a higher quality parabola, which does not result in spherical aberration. Cassegrain telescopes routinely use spheres in addition to other lenses in the optical path to correct for residual spherical aberration.
Refractors use a series of lenses to provide a clear image. Designs range from a standard air-spaced doublet (two lenses in a row) to exotic designs such as oil-spaced triplets and 4-element multi group lenses.

Glass material

Refractors use glass lenses to focus the light, and the glass material plays an important role in the quality of the resulting image. Standard achromatic refractors routinely use Crown and Flint for the two elements, but more expensive apochromatic refractors can use ED (extra low dispersion) glass for one or more of the lenses. Reflector mirrors are made from glass with different levels of thermal expansion. Standard mirrors are made from material such as Soda-Lime Plate glass and BK-7 glass. Glass with Pyrex or other low thermal expansion material will not change shape as dramatically during the cool-down period, resulting in more stable images during this period.

Resolving power

The theoretical resolving power of a telescope can be calculated with the following formula: Resolving power (in arc seconds) = 4.56 divided by aperture of telescope (in inches). In metric units, this is: Resolving power (in arc seconds) = 116 divided by aperture of telescope (in millimeters). Note that the formula is independent of the telescope type or model, and is based only upon the aperture of the telescope. So the larger the telescope's aperture, the more it is capable of resolving. This is important to keep in mind when observing astronomical objects which require high resolution for best viewing, such as planets and double stars. However, it is usually atmospheric seeing conditions (not the telescope) which limits the actual resolving power on a given night; rarely is resolution less than one arc-second possible from even the best viewing locations on Earth.

Lowest useful magnification

Lowest useful magnification is the power at which the exit pupil becomes 7mm in diameter. Powers below this can still be reached with the telescope to give wider fields of view, but the image no longer becomes brighter at a lower power. This is due to the fact that the exit pupil of the telescope (the beam of light exiting the eyepiece) is now larger than the average person's dark adapted pupil, and no more light can fit into the eye.

Highest useful magnification

The highest practical limit is different from the often used "highest theoretical magnification" specification. The "theoretical" limit generally is 50x the aperture of the scope in inches (2x the aperture in mm). So for example, an 80mm refractor is capable of 160x, and a 10" telescope is theoretically capable of 500x magnification.
But after approximately 300x, theory breaks down and real world problems take over. The atmosphere above us is constantly in motion, and it will distort the image seen through the telescope. This effect may not be noticeable at lower powers, but at higher powers the atmosphere will dramatically blur the object, reducing the quality of the image. On a good night (a night where the air above is steady and the stars aren't twinkling), the practical upper limit of a large telescope is 300x, even thought the theoretical limit may be much higher. This doesn't mean the scope will never be able to reach those higher "theoretical" powers - there will be that rare night where the atmosphere is perfectly still and the scope can be pushed past it's practical limit, but those nights will be few and far between.

Astro-imaging capability

The astro-photographic capability of the telescope is based on the style, stability, and accuracy of the mount and tripod. Telescopes on either very lightweight mounts or non tracking mounts (such as Dobsonians) are capable of only very short exposures such as lunar photographs. If a motor drive is attached to an equatorial mount, even a small lightweight mount is capable of capturing some planetary detail. Larger EQ mounts that utilize very precise tracking and excellent stability are capable of longer exposure deep-sky photography.

Computerized compatibility

Some mounts are compatible with a motorized Go-To system for fully automated computer finding of objects in the night sky. Others mounts are compatible with computer finding systems which require the user to manually move the mount to the object's position as indicated by the computer finder.

Warranty

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. It is not intended to remove or restrict your other legal rights under applicable local consumer law; your state or national statutory consumer rights governing the sale of consumer goods remain fully applicable.

And of course, the finder scope, eyepieces, and other accessories you choose!

Shipping Info

Orders received by 1pm Eastern Time for in-stock items ship the same business day. Orders received after 1pm will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.

A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product due to its size and weight. This charge varies based on the shipping method.

At Orion, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophotography with the amateur astronomy community. Visit the Orion Community Center for in-depth information on telescopes, binoculars, and astrophotography. You can find astrophotography "how to" tips and share your best astronomy pictures here. Submit astronomy articles, events, and reviews, and even become a featured Orion customer!